Index >> Organic Matter Decomposition >> Vermicomposting

By its enzymatic and biological activity, the earthworms stimulate soil microbiological activity. Vermicomposting began in Ontario, Canada in 1970 and today the USA, Japan and Phillip­pines are leading in vermicomposting both. quantitatively as well as qualitatively.

A moist compost heap of 204m x 1.2m x 0.6m deep can support 50,000 worms. A shallow well drained heap is ideal for worms to feed and mul­tiply. Lumbricus rubellus (the red worm) and Eisenia foetida are thermo­tolerant and can stand the heat generated in the composting process. There are many other suitable species of worms available with breeders which can be had from agricultural universities and centres of agriculture research.

Bamboo poles are placed at the bottom of the pits and lined with gunny sack to avoid the scape of worms. The pits are filled with moist farm wastes, animal manure and leaves that are well chopped. The worms are picked by hand from the boxes and placed into the pit. By incubating the compost pit in the shade and keeping it moist but not water logged for 2 months, a good organic matter rich vermicom­post can be prepared for use on the farm.